6.1 Khor Virap
6.2 Dvin
6.3 Garni
6.4 Geghard
6.4 Geghard
The famous medieval Monastery of Geghard is located 10 km/6.2 mi east of the Garni Temple. According to tradition, Geghard Monastery was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. It is surrounded by towering cliffs. There is a sacred spring located in the cave that dates back to pre-Christian times, and so accordingly it was also known as Ayvirank (the Monastery of the Cave). The monastery extends backwards into the mountains where it has been carved out of the rock. The area includes several chapels carved out of the rock but not all are open to the public. The area is also rich with medieval khachkars (cross stones).
Geghard Monastery
(cc) Serouj Ourishian
Azat Valley
Geghard: The Monastery of the Cave
The Geghard Monastery is partially carved into the adjacent mountain. The monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator on a sacred spring inside a cave. Read More
Monastery of Geghard
(video)
East and South of Yerevan
Tour 6: